Ask the Author: Elizabeth Collins
Answered Questions (6)
Elizabeth Collins
Just write. Make it a habit. Build up a body of work. It is only through practice that you will find your voice. Read everything--you will learn as much from bad writing as you will from reading good writing. When it comes time to look for an agent or publishing house (editor), send out your best work. But remember: disappointment lurks! Beware of the fast yes and slow no (that's a blog post somewhere). The market is horrific now--and I grew up working in publishing, and just when I was ready to publish, no one was publishing anything. Believe in yourself no matter what; believe in your story and hone your work. It will find a place in the world.
Elizabeth Collins
Go for a walk or paint (hard, but meditative). Listen to music, read other books. Just stop worrying about the writing and let the answer come.
Elizabeth Collins
A memoir about bipolar illness.
Elizabeth Collins
My first instinct is to say, "nothing, especially not right now," but that is a depressing answer. So, I will say that the best thing is meeting my own personal challenge of either writing or perfecting my work, and, of course, hearing from readers and knowing that my story meant something to other people and helped them.
Elizabeth Collins
Honestly, I am seldom "inspired"--it's really guilt I feel for not writing. As many other writers have said, it's about showing up and discipline and forcing myself to write.
Elizabeth Collins
My real life. I am primarily a nonfiction writer.
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